City of Bloomington
Black History Month
Poster Board Contest
City of Bloomington
Black History Month
Poster Board Contest
First, second and third place prizes will be awarded in each of three categories: elementary (grades 4-6), middle (grades 7-8) and high school (grades 9-12). Homeschooled students are eligible to participate as well.
First place poster board winners will receive an iPad
Second place winners will receive a $100 cash award
Third place winners will receive a $75 cash award.
Eligible Materials:
Display Board: Use a pre-scored tri-fold project display board or any board that can stand on its own.
Dimensions: The board should measure 28" x 40" when open, or smaller.
Required Sections:
Title Section:
Include your name, grade, and school on the back of your board.
Name of Historical Figure: Clearly display the name of the person you are highlighting at the top of your poster.
Image: Include a large photo or hand-drawn image of the historical figure. It should be clear and visible from a distance.
Biography Section:
Provide a brief summary (3–5 sentences) about your figure, including:
Their name, birth date, and place of birth.
Key achievements or contributions that made them important in history.
Prompt Responses:
Prompt 1: How has this person challenged the status quo in our society?
Write 2–3 sentences explaining how your historical figure influenced society. Did they challenge unfair laws, fight for equal rights, or break barriers in their field?
Prompt 2: How has this person inspired or influenced your own life?
Write 2–3 sentences about how this figure’s story inspires you personally. What lessons have you learned from them?
Prompt 3 (High School Only): What have been the most important outcomes of this person's impact on society?
Describe the lasting impact your figure had on society. How has their influence shaped the world today?
Creative Elements:
Design: Make your poster colorful and visually engaging. You can use borders, backgrounds, and symbols related to your figure’s contributions (e.g., peace signs, books, the American flag).
Text: Keep your text clear and concise. Use bullet points to organize information for easy reading.
Decorative Elements: Feel free to include quotes, important dates, or additional design elements to make your poster stand out.
Additional Guidelines:
Neatness: Your poster should be neat, organized, and easy to read. Ensure the text is large enough to be visible from a distance.
Materials: You may use markers, colored pencils, printed pictures, or other materials. Make sure all items are securely attached to the board so they won’t fall off.
Originality: Be creative! The more effort you put into designing your poster, the more it will stand out.
Poster Board Contest Registration and Submission Details
Each student must register for the contest in order to participate. Registered students are required to bring and display their poster boards at City Hall for judging on Saturday, February 22nd. Students have the option to drop off their poster boards the evening before, on Friday, February 21st by 5PM.
Students must be present during the judging window, as judges may ask questions about their work. The winners will be announced the same day in the City Hall Council Chambers.
The deadline for all submissions is 5:00 PM on February 18, 2025. Once a poster is submitted, topics may not be revised or altered.
Please note: Students who do not complete the registration process will not be eligible to participate in the contest.
2025 Topics
A. Philip Randolph
Addie Wyatt
Benjamin Banneker
Chris Small
Curtis Flood
Dorothy Lee Bolden
Hattie Canty
Isaac Myers
John H. Johnson
Madam C. J. Walker
Maggie Lena Walker
Mary McLeod Bethune
Paul Robeson
Shirley Chisholm
The City of Bloomington Black History Month Committee invites local students to participate in the Black History Month Poster Board Contest. This year’s theme is "African Americans & Labor: From Slave Ships to the White House," which explores the vital role African Americans have played in shaping the labor movement and their enduring contributions from slavery to positions of power and influence. We encourage students to creatively highlight key historical figures and moments that showcase the resilience, strength, and progress of African Americans in the workforce.
American labor unionist and civil rights activist
Leader in the United States Labor movement
American naturalist and mathematician
President of Amazon Labor Union
American baseball center fielder
Formed the Domestic Worker's Union
American activist
Pioneer of the African-American trade union movement
American businessman and publisher
American entrepreneur and philanthropist
American businesswoman and teacher
American educator and philanthropist
American bass-baritone
Former United States Representative
Steps to Participate in the Contest:
Register for the Contest
All students must register in order to participate.
Important: Once submitted, the poster topic cannot be revised or altered.
Registration Deadline: 5:00 PM on February 18, 2025
Submit Your Poster Board
Bring your poster board to City Hall for judging on Saturday, February 22, 2025 between 11:30AM and noon
Alternatively, you can drop off your poster board the evening before, on Friday, February 21, 2025 between 8AM and 5PM
Attend the Judging/Reception on Saturday, February 22, 2025
Students must be present during the judging period, as judges may ask questions about their work.
During this time there will be a reception to allow community to view all submitted poster boards
Winners Announcement
The winners will be announced on Saturday, February 22, 2025, in the City Hall Council Chambers.
Please note: Students who do not complete the registration process will not be eligible to participate in the contest.
Volunteer to judge and score poster boards for the 2025 Black History Month Poster Board contest.
Parents, teachers, siblings, friends, and community members are invited to City Hall as the winners of the 2025 Black History Month poster board contest are honored. Awards will be presented in the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Join the community in supporting these budding scholars. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, contact andrew.shannon@bloomington.in.gov
Date: Feb 22, 2025
Time: TBA
Location: City Hall Council Chambers, 401 N. Morton St., Bloomington, IN
Thanks to our sponsors, first-place winners will receive an iPad Air courtesy of IU Credit Union. Second and third place winners will receive $100 and $75 respectively, courtesy of the Order of the Eastern Star, Southern Star #50 Jurisdiction of Indiana, and The Prince Hall Mason’s Stone City Lodge #54.